In with the Old: Bookplates

Before I started to write In with the Old: Classic Decor from A to Z, I compiled a list of "things"- fabrics, styles, motifs, objects- that I considered to be great examples of classic design and timeless style.  One of the criteria for making the list- the main criterion, in fact- was whether that decorative element was something that I would be proud to have in my own home.  And one decorative element that can be found throughout my home (specifically, in my library) is the bookplate.  In fact, I'm so crazy for bookplates that not only did we photograph one for my book, but we also incorporated an illustrated bookplate, which was drawn by my sister, inside the front of the book.  That way, you can add your name to the plate to mark your copy's ownership. (The photos seen above offer a few glimpses inside my book.) 

I own all kinds of bookplates, which I apply to all kinds of books.  My floral motif bookplates are used for books on flowers and gardening, while those that depict antique Chippendale chairs can be found in my furniture and decorative arts-related books.  (Both of these versions, by the way, are the fill-in types on which I must write my name.)  I also have custom bookplates, purchased on Etsy, which feature a pagoda with my name printed below.  Considering my fondness for all things Chinoiserie, I choose to use these pagoda plates in some of my very favorite design books.

Of course, the ultimate luxury is to have custom engraved bookplates that have been printed by some fabulous stationer.  Perhaps one of these days, I will have those ultimate bookplates.  Until then, though, I will continue to mark my books with my current stash of plates, which give me joy every time I open my books.

P.S.- I would like to thank Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles for featuring my book in their October issue as well as Southern Living and Zoe Gowen for including my book in their The Top Design Books You Need Now feature.  Also, thanks to Margot Shaw, editor-in-chief of the fabulous flower magazine, for mentioning my book in an interview with StyleBlueprint.

Order In with the Old: Classic Decor from A to Z at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and IndieBound.

In gardening books like Peter Marston's Garden Room Style, I use these peony letterpress bookplates from Jonathan Wright and Company.

For my architecture books, including my copy of New Classicism by Elizabeth Dowling, I chose these Palladian Capital bookplates from Ars Antigua.  You can see my Ars Antigua Chippendale Chair bookplate in the photo at the top of this post.

And this is my Pagoda plate, which I purchased on Etsy.  Looks good against that pink background, don't you think?

Photo at top from In with the Old: Classic Decor from A to Z by Jennifer Boles, Erica George Dines photographer.